SOLOMON Islands Futsal Captain and OFC Futsal Legend Elliot Ragomo has officially retired from the National Futsal Team Kurukuru after the conclusion of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand, last weekend.
The recent tournament marked Ragomo’s final appearance for Kurukuru and for enthusiastic OFC supporters. Following Kurukuru’s third-place and fourth-place playoffs against Fiji, numerous players and important figures took photos with Ragomo, recognising that they would no longer witness his remarkable futsal skills on the national and OFC stage.
Recalling his illustrious career, Ragomo, born on May 28, 1990, dedicated over 16 years to the Kurukuru team, winning six OFC titles, participating in four World Cups, and earning the distinction of scoring the fastest goal in futsal history.
As his passion for the sport grew, Ragomo was chosen to play as a defender for the Brazilian club Minas Tenis Club in the Liga Nacional de Futsal, becoming the first Kurukuru and OFC futsal player to play professionally.
According to Wikipedia, Ragomo holds the record for the fastest-ever goal scored in an official futsal match, having scored within three seconds in the match between Kurukuru and New Caledonia in 2009.
Damon Shaw, Kurukuru’s coach, expressed his admiration for Ragomo, referring to him as an absolute legend.
“This extraordinary player and human being has retired today, and I feel honoured to have been part of his journey. Four World Cups, six OFC titles, the fastest goal in futsal history, and being the first Pacific player to go professional – Ragomo’s impact is respected not only within the continent but globally,” Shaw commented.
Hailing from Roviana in the Western Province, Ragomo, the most decorated OFC futsal player, will now pass the torch to the new generation of Kurukuru as they take up the legacy and national duty he leaves behind.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
